As a die-hard fan of both musical theater and zombie apocalypse films, I simply cannot contain my excitement about “Anna and the Apocalypse“! Having grown up watching musicals like “Les Misérables” and “Rent,” and spending countless hours in horror movie marathons, this film is a dream come true. The idea of combining these two seemingly disparate genres was a stroke of genius that I never knew I needed.
In the under-the-radar 2017 British film titled “Anna and the Apocalypse“, directed by John McPhail, a unique blend of candy canes, snowfall, and chaos unfolds amidst holiday cheer and a horde of zombies. The movie revolves around a teenage girl named Anna, who is struggling to navigate high school life while also preparing for a potential zombie apocalypse. Notably, the film features music by Roddy Hart and Tommy Reilly, including Christmas songs like the opening number, “Christmas Means Nothing Without You.
The screenplay was penned by Alan McDonald and Ryan McHenry, inspired by McHenry’s college short film titled “Zombie Musical.” McHenry drew inspiration not only from the popular musical “High School Musical,” but also from classics such as “Night of the Living Dead” and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” This movie offers a mix of humorously campy scenes and graphic violence, making it appealing to both horror enthusiasts and Broadway music lovers. In recent times, it has even been favorably compared to another renowned zombie comedy.
Christmas Meets Musical Meets Zombies
What More Could You Ask For?
Anna Shepherd is a senior at Little Haven High School in Scotland, and she has plans to spend a year exploring the globe before attending college. This decision displeases her father greatly. John, Anna’s closest friend, harbors unrequited feelings for her. The couple Chris and Lisa are deeply in love, with Chris working on a new movie project.
The story takes an unexpected twist from its typical excitement when a zombie outbreak occurs the following day. As Anna and John encounter a zombie disguised as a snowman on their way to school, they are forced to cut them down with a chainsaw. From then on, a series of thrilling yet chilling events unfold as Anna, John, and their group must slaughter every zombie they encounter and strive to reconnect with their families.
Comparisons to ‘Shaun of the Dead’
The tone and persistent violence in films such as “Anna and the Apocalypse” and the classic zombie comedy, “Shaun of the Dead” (2004), have left viewers with a similar impression. Despite its musical format and Christmas setting, it shares a similar humoristic vibe. Critic Alex Billington from First Showing referred to it as a blend between “Shaun of the Dead” and “La La Land“, which perfectly describes it (this quote is even featured on the film’s poster).
Fans of “Shaun of the Dead” appreciate that it delivers on all the horror and grit of typical zombie movies, but what sets it apart is its clever, self-referential humor. Similarly, “Anna and the Apocalypse” stands out by incorporating musical numbers into a zombie apocalypse scenario, which adds to the absurdity. The film is fully aware of this unique aspect, creating a viewing experience that feels like an amusing secret shared between the audience and a seasoned satirist such as Edgar Wright.
A True (Creepy) Christmas Film
Despite its gory scenes and references to internal organs, the movie “Anna and the Apocalypse” has become a beloved holiday cult favorite. Known as “A Zombie Christmas Musical,” it unfolds mere days before Christmas. The film is filled with traditional Christmas joy and imagery for viewers’ delight. Key characters find themselves caught up in and ultimately trapped during a Christmas pageant at the onset of the apocalypse, singing Christmas tunes (similar to “Jingle Bell Rock” in “Mean Girls“). Most inventively, Anna dispatches zombies using a massive candy cane with a sharpened end.
In summary, this movie is deeply touching and it conveys powerful messages about love and loss. The fact that Ryan McHenry, the co-writer and creator of the original short film, passed away before its release adds an extra layer of emotional depth. It skillfully blends humor, tragedy, and a post-apocalyptic backdrop with catchy original tunes. As we approach a season where we reflect on our blessings, Anna and the Apocalypse offers a unique perspective – what if everything suddenly changed (like a zombie apocalypse)? In a humorous yet poignant way, it invites us to appreciate what we have. And, as a bonus, you might just encounter a zombie Santa!
Anna and the Apocalypse is available to stream now on Tubi or the Roku Channel.
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2024-12-21 22:31